RPG Adults
THE MEN OF BALAAM
LORD’S DAY, SEPTEMBER 18
2 Peter 2:15-16
Psalm 49:1-12
“…give me understanding, that I
may learn thy commandments.”THE MEN OF BALAAM
Peter continued teaching a most unpleasant subject. Men would arise from within the organised church who would not believe the truth. They would deliberately attempt to lead people astray, enticing the unwary into those sinful practices forbidden in the Scripture (2 Pet 2:14). Surely we see such men around us today. Peter informed us that these men were accursed of God (2 Pet 2:14).
Having known the truth, these false teachers deliberately reject it. Throughout their careers they pervert the right ways of the Lord (Acts 13:10). We should not be amazed to find church men fighting against any display of the Christian faith. It was members of the World Council of Churches who spoke against having a Christian display at Christmas time in the town square of a New England village. It is church men who insisted on so-called “rights for homosexuals” which will allow them to teach little children that their perverted lifestyle, so strongly condemned in Scripture, is proper.
Peter explained that having left the right way they had followed the ways of the false prophet Balaam. Two characteristics of Balaam were his greed and the fact that his teaching led the people of God into immorality (Num 22:7; 25:1-3).
False teachers often use their abilities of speech and persuasion to convince those who are unlearned in the Scripture. People are easily misled by such men. Yet Peter reminded us that God used a lowly beast of burden to rebuke the false prophet of old (2 Pet 2:16). In light of this we should not be afraid to allow God to use us to rebuke those who would despoil the church today. For too long the majority of God’s people have remained silent in the face of false teaching. It is the work not only of church leaders but also of all Christians to refute those who teach error (Titus 1:9). Someday when the Lord returns, He will judge these men (Jude 15). As we wait for His return, let us go courageously about the Father’s business.
THOUGHT: What are two characteristics of Balaam?
PRAYER: Father, help me to boldly rebuke the false teachers.